Are dyspeptic symptoms linked to Helicobacter pylori? A prospective cohort study among medical students

In Austria, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in healthy people with or without symptoms of dyspepsia has not yet been assessed systematically. We conducted a prospective cohort study among medical students during their rotation in internal medicine to determine whether or not dyspeptic symptoms are linked to Hp infection. Symptoms were assessed before testing for Hp so that knowledge of Hp status could not influence symptom-reporting behavior.

From February 2000 to February 2001 we invited 242 medical students to participate in this trial. Abdominal symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire. Dyspeptic symptoms were defined according to the Rome II criteria: heartburn was not considered a dyspeptic symptom. Severity of symptoms was assessed using the Glasgow dyspepsia severity score (GDSS). After determination of symptoms, students underwent a 13C-urea breath test for Hp.

Of 242 students (103 male, 139 female, mean age 26 years, range 21-39 years), 23 tested positive for Hp (10%). Of 34 participants reporting dyspeptic symptoms (14%, GDSS-range 1-11), four were Hp positive (12%). Of the 208 asymptomatic students, 19 were Hp positive (9%). Statistical analysis did not show a significant difference in the frequency of Hp infection between asymptomatic students and students reporting dyspeptic symptoms.

Hp prevalence in Austrian medical students is similar to that in other western countries. There was no significant difference in Hp prevalence between dyspeptic students and asymptomatic students.